Neilson Joins U's

Cambridge United are delighted to announce that Alan Neilson has joined the first team coaching staff as an assistant coach with immediate effect.

Neilson’s playing career spanned over 15 years, playing in the Premier League for Newcastle United and Southampton, then having spells with Fulham, Grimsby Town, Luton Town, Tamworth and Salisbury City.

In 2008, Neilson joined Luton Town as Youth Development Coach and in the same year became the Hatters’ first team coach. In 2009, Neilson was caretaker manager for Luton after the departure of Mick Harford, and then became assistant manager to the then Luton boss, Richard Money.

Neilson, pictured above, had remained as a coach at Kenilworth Road until July 2013, twice more taking the caretaker manager post in January 2012 and February 2013.

Director of Football, Jez George said: “We have been running with a minimal number of staff in our football operation for some time and this is the right time to make this appointment. I have met Alan on several occasions over the last few months and he has watched a number of our games. He brings a wealth of experience, he is a real football man and Richard has worked with him previously. In essence, he ticks every box in the qualities we require for this position.”

Jez continued: “We are always looking to evolve the team on and off the pitch. This is another part of that process. Alan will fit in perfectly within our structure and will add value to our existing staff, particularly in assisting Richard on the training ground. He buys into the ethos and philosophy we have at the club and will be a valuable addition to Richard (Money, Head Coach), Matt Walker (Sports Science), Greg Reid (Physiotherapist), Martin Davies (Goalkeeper Coach), Ben Strang (Chief Scout) and Mark Bonner (Youth Team Coach) in our team behind the team. We have built a really strong football staff, also including Marc Tracy, Tom Pell and James Cutting within the academy, and Alan will add his own areas of expertise and knowledge to this mix.”